The 2024 Giro d’Italia Women is set to feature some of the best climbers in women’s cycling, offering multiple opportunities for riders to show off their uphill skills on the demanding Italian terrain. Climbing is crucial in this year’s Giro, especially with the major Blockhaus summit finish on stage 7, which is expected to be a decisive point in the race. Riders who excel in climbing not only have the chance to win individual stages but also play a pivotal role in shaping the General Classification (GC). The climbers in this year’s race will no doubt be near the top of the overall standings, particularly as they tackle the high mountain passes and challenging ascents that define the Giro.
The Blockhaus summit finish on stage 7 is anticipated to be one of the key moments in the race. Known for its steep gradients and punishing length, this climb will test the endurance and strength of every rider. The stage is likely to be a battleground for the GC contenders, where significant time gaps can be established. Climbers who can handle the relentless ascents and pace themselves well on this summit finish will have a significant advantage in the fight for the pink jersey.
With the stakes so high, each team will rely heavily on their top climbers to perform. These riders will need to balance their efforts between stage wins and supporting their leaders in the GC. The ability to climb efficiently and recover quickly after such demanding stages will be essential for success. Here’s a detailed look at the top climbers to watch, each with their own impressive track record and potential for success in this prestigious race.
Top Climbers at the 2024 Giro d’Italia Women
Elisa Longo Borghini
Wins in 2024: 4
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 4
Elisa Longo Borghini has had a stellar season with victories at races including the Trofeo Oro in Euro, Ronde van Vlaanderen, and Brabantse Pijl. Her climbing ability and consistency make her a formidable competitor in the mountains. Longo Borghini’s experience and tactical intelligence will be crucial in the high mountain stages of the Giro.
Juliette Labous
Wins in 2024: 1
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 1
Juliette Labous has continued to build on her reputation as a strong climber with a victory at the French National Road Race. Her ability to perform in high-altitude stages and her resilience in tough conditions make her a key contender in the Giro’s mountainous terrain.
Mavi Garcia
Wins in 2024: 2
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Mavi Garcia has had a solid season, securing overall victory at the Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Del Sol and strong performances in races like the Itzulia and Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. Known for her tenacity and climbing strength, Garcia will be looking to add more Giro stage wins to her palmarès this year.
Gaia Realini
Wins in 2024: 0
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Gaia Realini has shown strong performances in 2024 with notable results such as 5th overall at the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana and 2nd overall at the Vuelta Extremadura Féminas. Despite not having any wins this year, her consistent climbing ability makes her a serious contender in the mountains of the Giro.
Neve Bradbury
Wins in 2024: 1
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Neve Bradbury has demonstrated her climbing skills with a victory in the third stage of the Tour de Suisse. Her youth and climbing prowess make her one to watch in the Giro, especially in the longer, more challenging mountain stages. SHe won’t have Kasia Niewiadoma here though to play with.
Niamh Fisher-Black
Wins in 2024: 1
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Niamh Fisher-Black has had a noteworthy season with a win at the Queen stage of the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. She also achieved top 10 finishes in races such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Vuelta España Femenina. Her climbing consistency and ability to support her team in the mountains will be vital in the Giro. Fisher-Black’s endurance and strategic approach will be key assets.
Kim Cadzow
Wins in 2024: 3
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Kim Cadzow has had a remarkable season, securing victories at the New Zealand ITT Championships, the overall classification of the Trofeo Ponente in Rosa, and performing strongly in the Tour de Suisse Women. Her climbing capabilities on steep and challenging climbs make her a significant threat in the Giro. Cadzow’s ability to stay with the best climbers in the peloton will be crucial in the high mountain stages.
Lotte Kopecky
Wins in 2024: 10
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 1
Lotte Kopecky has had an outstanding season, securing victories at prestigious races including Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Strade Bianche, and the overall Tour of Britain. Her impressive performances extend to the UAE Tour and the Belgian National Championships in both the road race and time trial disciplines. Kopecky’s strength across various terrains and her tactical intelligence make her one of the most formidable riders in this year’s Giro d’Italia Women – she also features as one of the best sprinters in this year’s race.
Elise Chabbey
Wins in 2024: 0
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Elise Chabbey has had a strong presence in the 2024 season with top performances in multiple races. She finished 5th overall in the Itzulia and Vuelta a Burgos, 4th at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and achieved 7th overall at the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. Her consistent performances in these challenging races highlight her climbing abilities and make her a strong candidate for success in the Giro’s mountainous stages.
Cecile Uttrup Ludwig
Wins in 2024: 1
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Cecile Uttrup Ludwig has had a tough season with injuries and illness. Despite these challenges, she secured a stage victory at the Tour Down Under and showed resilience in other races. Although she struggled with consistent form, her determination and experience make her a contender in the Giro’s climbing stages.
Usoa Ostolaza
Wins in 2024: 3
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Usoa Ostolaza has had an impressive 2024 season with victories in the Tour des Pyrénées (GC + stage) and the Spanish national championship. She seems to be increasing with confidence and her strong climbing performances throughout the season make her a key rider to watch in the mountainous stages of the Giro.
Antonia Niedermaier
Wins in 2024: 0
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 1
Antonia Niedermaier has demonstrated her potential with consistent performances in 2024. She finished 8th at the GP Chambéry, 11th in GC at the Vuelta Femenina, 6th at the Tour de Suisse, and 3rd at the German National Road Race. Despite not securing any wins this season, her consistent climbing ability makes her a notable contender in the Giro’s demanding stages.
Ella Wyllie
Wins in 2024: 3
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 0
Ella Wyllie has had a strong 2024 season, securing victories at the New Zealand Road Race Championships, the New Zealand U23 TT, and a stage win at the Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Del Sol. Her consistent performances in various races and her climbing ability make her a potential threat in the Giro’s mountain stages – potentially in support of teammate Mavi Garcia or going for her own goals.
Liane Lippert
Wins in 2024: 2
Total Giro d’Italia stage wins: 1
Liane Lippert had a delayed start to the season due to a stress fracture in her hip, identified in the off-season. Despite this setback, she has had a strong season with notable results including 2nd at the German National Road Race, and top 10 finishes in the Vuelta a Burgos. Her climbing ability and experience in stage races make her a formidable competitor in the Giro’s high-altitude stages.
